RIP, Alan Rickman

By now many of you have heard of the death of the incomparable Alan Rickman (Feb. 21, 1946 – Jan. 14, 2016.) Mr. Rickman was well-known and beloved for playing roles as diverse as Col. Brandon, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and of course, Professor Severus Snape.

He was an amazing actor. It’s fun to go back through the Harry Potter movies once you know the truth about Snape. Rickman knew it (or enough of it) all along — that’s why he agreed to take the role. And you can see that truth in subtle ways in his performance, things that you completely miss before you know.